OUT Jasper is celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17 by hosting a potluck barbecue at Lake Annette. 

Abner Brown, program co-ordinator for OUT Jasper, says the barbecue is a great opportunity to stand up against discrimination and meet like-minded people.

“It’s really just a chance for people to come out and take a stand against homophobia,” Brown said. 

While Brown says Jasper is a very accepting place to live, there is still discrimination against the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community in the world. 

“It’s actually a really supportive town,” Brown says of Jasper, adding that he has never experienced discrimination here. 

Canada is years ahead of other first-world nations with laws that allowed same-sex marriages coming into effect in 2005.

“Canada is progressive,” Brown said. “(But) in Canada there’s still a lot of discrimination.”

Brown said there are many laws protecting the LGBTQ community, but there needs to be more open discussion about sexuality. 

“That’s the problem, it’s just laws,” he said. 

There are also no formal transgender rights in Canada. Before the May 2 election, a bill put forth by the NDP was in its last stage of the senate that introduced rights for transgendered people in Canada. Brown said that with the new Conservative majority, that bill will have to start from square one, and Stephen Harper has voted against legislation like it in the past. 

“There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done,” Brown said. 

One of the challenges is engaging those that are participating in discriminatory acts, as homophobia remains a sensitive topic. 

OUT Jasper has taken on an approach that includes educating youth in schools that using “gay” as a slang term can be hurtful. However, recent legislation passed in Alberta now allows parents to take their children out of class for sexual education and sensitive topics. 

So far the talks in schools have gone well in Edson, and the few that were done in Jasper last year were well received. Brown participated in sex-ed classes on May 10 and 11 to educate local youth. 

The goal of OUT Jasper and other LGBTQ community groups is to make an environment that is inclusive everywhere, and to break the myth that LGBTQ people only live in urban areas. 

The successful Pride Weekend held in February was a great fundraiser. Brown said they raised a lot of money to put towards OUT Jasper’s operations. Funding is also provided through Alberta’s community initiative funds. 

This summer OUT Jasper plans to hold a number of events that get people outside and enjoying the Jasper area. They are planning some hikes that will engage youth and hopefully be free and low-cost to OUT Jasper. Movie nights and an August camp out are other ideas Brown is looking into, but he hopes to gauge the community that turns out to the Lake Annette barbecue. 

The barbecue will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 17 at Lake Annette. More information on OUT Jasper’s upcoming events can be found online at www.outjasper.com